HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. — The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday the arrest of two individuals following the execution of a search warrant tied to a multi-state copper theft investigation.
On March 30, 2026, deputies with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at 60 Doberman Drive in Chester, West Virginia. The warrant was the result of a joint investigation with the Pennsylvania State Police after Industrial Development Advantage LLC — formerly First Energy — reported multiple thefts of copper wire and other items valued in excess of $50,000.
Upon execution of the warrant, investigators seized a large quantity of copper wire, miscellaneous tools, and a vehicle.
Two suspects were taken into custody as a result of the investigation:
James A. Chappell, 40, of Chester, West Virginia (DOB: 08/29/1985), has been charged with Bringing Stolen Property into the State and Breaking and Entering.
Eric T. Boyer, 56, of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania (DOB: 04/06/1969), has been charged with Bringing Stolen Property into the State, Breaking and Entering, and Fugitive from Justice.
Both individuals were transported to the Northern Regional Jail. Additional charges from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are pending.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for their cooperation and assistance throughout this investigation.
